Chabertia ovina: Large-mouthed bowel worm.

General Description: Nematodes with a large oral opening. Males are 13 to 14mm long, females, 17 to 20mm.

Life Cycle: Direct life cycle. Infection by ingestion of infective third stage larvae. Prepatent period is about 48 to 54 days.

Location: Colon

Geographical Distribution: Worldwide

Significance: Chabertia is significant only in heavily infected sheep. Reduced wool growth is the major result.

Effect on Host: Adults ingest plugs of the bowel wall; some bleeding may occur. The affected part of the intestine is mildly irritated. Anaemia may occur when severe infections exist. Replacement of tissue and blood lost to parasites limits the energy the host may otherwise use for wool growth. Occasional diarrhoea may be seen.

Diagnostic Information: Strongyle-type eggs appear in faeces.

Control: Treatment of infected sheep with a suitable anthelmintic.

Chabertia – anterior end showing large mouth		Chabertia – male posterior end